Charles E. Tharin

Charles E. Tharin was born in Switzerland in 1869. He immigrated to the United States in 1882, and became a citizen in 1888.¹ In 1897, he joined the White House staff; officially, his title was “watchman,” but sources indicate he was President McKinley’s valet.² One article described his role this way: “Charles Tharom (sp.), a Swede…acts as the president’s valet on all his trips and is also in the secret service. He is virtually the president’s bodyguard.” Charles’ wife, Clara Tharin, was First Lady Ida McKinley’s lady’s maid.³ 

After President McKinley’s assassination in 1901, Charles Tharin remained on staff as a doorkeeper, and when Theodore Roosevelt added new executive offices to the White House (today’s West Wing), Tharin was appointed to the expanded team of ushers on duty there. Newspapers reported that “his experience and knowledge of affairs at the White House fit him for the new position.”⁴ He continues to be listed on staff at the White House through 1905, but further information about his life beyond that year is scarce.⁵